Bubble gun with simulated vapor smoke

ABSTRACT

A system and method that enable, support and/or provide a means for producing bubbles that are filled with smoke like water vapor or ultrasonic mist (nebulizer mist like) are disclosed. For example, a low-powered ultrasonic device producing cold vapor/mist is used. As a result, the vapor is a cold mist. In other cases, the vapor is heated. The vapor/mist in the form of non-toxic fume/smoke is produced with a heated plate, which is controlled by electronic circuitry and pressurized nozzle. The bubble assumes the shape of the nozzle. For example, if the nozzle is round the bubble assumes the same shape.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/386,530, filed on Dec. 4, 2015, which application is incorporated herein by reference as if set forth in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates generally to a bubble making device and, more specifically, to a device, which fills a bubble with water vapor mist or vapor to thereby simulate smoke.

BACKGROUND

The conventional bubble making device produce air filled bubbles using liquid soap. When the bubble is burst, there is no visible effect whatsoever.

SUMMARY

Various deficiencies of the prior art are addressed by a simulated vapor smoke bubble gun and method for simulating vapor smoke. One embodiment comprises a chamber configured to accommodate a liquid and having an opening to facilitate introduction of said liquid into said chamber; an arrangement external to said chamber and configured as a triggering device; a heated plate located within said chamber; and a liquid transmittal element located within the vicinity of the heated plate or misting nozzle; wherein the liquid transmittal element enables spatial proximity of the liquid toward the heated plate thereby producing and releasing vapor or cold mist into the chamber.

Another embodiment comprises a method to perform the steps of: (i) inserting a liquid transmittal element within a chamber configured to accommodate a liquid and having an opening to facilitate introduction of said liquid into said chamber; (ii) converting the liquid to thereby compose an aromatic vapor producing liquid; (iii) coloring the aromatic vapor producing liquid; and (iv) pumping air into bubble released in the chamber; wherein the liquid transmittal element enables spatial proximity of the liquid toward the heated plate thereby producing and releasing vapor into the chamber.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The teachings of the present invention can be readily understood by considering the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 depicts a front perspective view of a water vapor filled bubble making device according to an embodiment;

FIG. 2 depicts a rear perspective view of a water vapor filled bubble making device according to an embodiment;

FIG. 3 depicts a right perspective view of a water vapor filled bubble making device according to an embodiment;

FIG. 4 depicts a right detailed view of a water vapor filled bubble making device according to an embodiment;

FIG. 5 depicts a front perspective view of a water vapor filled bubble making device according to an embodiment;

FIG. 6 depicts a rear perspective view of a water vapor filled bubble making device according to an embodiment;

FIG. 7 depicts a front perspective view of a water vapor filled bubble making device according to an embodiment;

FIG. 8 depicts a rear perspective view of a water vapor filled bubble making device according to an embodiment;

FIG. 9 depicts a top perspective view of a small and large bubble orifice of a water vapor filled bubble making device according to an embodiment; and

FIG. 10 depicts a side perspective view of a small and large bubble orifice of a water vapor filled bubble making device according to an embodiment.

To facilitate understanding, identical reference numerals have been used, where possible, to designate identical elements that are common to the Figures.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The invention will be primarily described within the context of particular embodiments; however, those skilled in the art and informed by the teachings herein will realize that the invention is also applicable to other technical areas and/or embodiments.

Generally speaking, the various embodiments enable, support and/or provide a means for producing bubbles that are filled with smoke like water vapor or ultrasonic mist (nebulizer mist like). For example, in one embodiment a low-powered ultrasonic device producing cold vapor/mist is used. As a result, the vapor is a cold mist. In other embodiments, the vapor is heated. The vapor/mist in the form of non-toxic fume/smoke is produced with a heated plate, which is controlled by electronic circuitry and pressurized nozzle. Typically, the power to the plate varies between 1-10 VDC. In one embodiment, the plate is powered with 5 VDC. Yet, in other embodiments the plate is powered with 2.5 VDC. As circuitry for this purpose becomes more efficient, less power may be required or alternative source of power may be employed. In another embodiment, the vapor/mist is warm. In various embodiments, the hot plate is replaced with dry ice box box/chamber/insert. In this case, the dry ice is pre-made for this purpose. In this embodiment, a dry ice holding chamber, which upon contact with water, moisture would release smoke like fumes. The enclosure encapsulating the dry ice can be made of silicone or suitable material to avoid contact. However, the arrangement should be porous or incorporate a permeable membrane or mesh like configuration to allow water into the enclosure. In yet other embodiments, a non-toxic chemical solution is used.

Various embodiments operate to provide a bubble making device by using aroma diffuser technology where a liquid transmitting element is inserted into the liquid. Color additives can be added to the liquid to portray various colors in a bubble making session. Moreover, the bubbles can be made into different shapes as dictated by the shape of the nozzle. For example, if the nozzle is round the bubble assumes the same shape. In one embodiment, colors are formed by using pigments with other catalystic chemical allowing the pigment to be incinerated. The incineration process happens by generating electrical spark or pulse.

In one embodiment, device 100 plays music of different tunes emitting lights of different wavelength. The lights are either steady or flashing in synchronization with the tune being played or out of sync with the tune being played. In another embodiment, device 100 does not incorporate that feature.

FIGS. 1-10 illustrate a bubble gun with simulated vapor smoke 100 according to various embodiments. The bubble gun preferably has a housing that is formed of five distinct parts namely, top 105, front panel 115, side panel 120, rear panel 225 and base 310. Moreover, front 115 and part 125 preferably form a single piece. In some embodiment 115 and 125 are two distinct parts. In one embodiment, the five distinct parts comprise a first half portion and a second half portion. The two halves preferably encase at least a portion of the bubble gun mechanism and are coupled together to form a finished assembly. This finished assembly can be made into any suitable shape or desirable configuration and can be manufactured from any suitable material.

FIG. 1 depicts a front perspective view of a water vapor filled bubble making device according to an embodiment. Specifically, FIG. 1 depicts an exemplary water vapor filled bubble making device 100 that includes a top 105, a multi-purpose orifice mechanism 110, a front side 115, a left side 120. The multi-purpose orifice serves as both inlet (intake) and outlet functions namely, multi-purpose orifice mechanism 110 facilitates introduction of the liquid into the chamber, enables air to be blown into the chamber and allows the vapor to be ventilated out of the chamber into the ambient environment. In one embodiment, air is blown into the chamber via multi-purpose orifice mechanism 110 with the mouth of a human being. In another embodiment, air is blown into the chamber via multi-purpose orifice mechanism 110 with an external pumping mechanism. Yet, in other embodiment fluid/liquid is introduced into the chamber by removing top 015. Although depicted and described with respect to an embodiment in which the multi-purpose orifice serves as both inlet (intake) and outlet functions, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the multi-purpose orifice may be implemented differently without departing from the objective of the invention.

As shown, top 105 and multi-purpose orifice mechanism 110 form one assembly or piece. This assembly can be made into any suitable shape or desirable configuration. In one embodiment, top 105 and multi-purpose orifice mechanism 110 form two distinct assemblies or pieces. The two pieces are attached or joined to each other using a mechanism that allows multi-purpose orifice mechanism 110 to perform the function of a pivoting portion, which has the bubble mechanism coupled thereto. Pivoting portion can be any configuration or shape desired. Multi-purpose orifice mechanism 110 includes a portion that extends from top 105 to attachments 900. Multi-purpose orifice mechanism 110 can pivot in a circular pattern or within quadrantal angles. Top 105 allows access to the chamber or tank. Top 105 is preferably elliptical in shape and has multi-purpose orifice mechanism 110 extending therefrom. In another embodiment, top 105 is quasi-circular in shape. However, top 105 can be any shape desired consistent with the overall geometry of the bubble gun.

FIG. 2 depicts a rear perspective view of a water vapor filled bubble making device according to an embodiment. As shown, rear panel 225 houses ventilation 210, trigger mechanism 215 and switch 220. Ventilation 210 provides ambient air to the electronic system, which controls the heated plate and the variable speed fan. The fan 410 is positioned such that air from the ventilation is pushed to the bubble making environment. As such, smoke, fog, vapor singularly or combined or any other liquid/fluid is directed by the variable speed fan. In one embodiment, the fan is coupled to trigger mechanism 215. In another embodiment, the fan is coupled to switch 220. The objective is to allow the user to vary the speed of the fan motor. By varying the speed or velocity of the fan, the velocity of any fluid that passes through the fan can be varied, and thus the size of the bubbles and rate at which bubbles can be produced can be varied. Although depicted and described with respect to an embodiment in which the fan is coupled to a switch or trigger, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the fan configuration may be implemented differently without departing from the objective of the invention. For example, the operation of the fan can be controlled by a microprocessor. As a result, the speed of the fan can be modulated thereby allowing bubbles of different sizes to be produced. Bubbles of different shapes can also be produced as dictated by the shape of the nozzle. For example, if the nozzle is round the bubble assumes the same shape. If the nozzle is of animal shapes like cat, dog, horse, bird, fish, etc. then those shapes can be produced.

Trigger mechanism 215 as shown is implemented using a toggle switch coupled to the electronic system. In this configuration, the trigger operates in discrete steps with additional force necessary to move from one step to the next. As the trigger reaches the last step, the mechanism reverts to the first step. In each step, the density of the smoke, fog, vapor increases, In another embodiment, the trigger mechanism is implemented using a potentiometer coupled to the electronic system. In this configuration, the trigger operates in a continuous fashion with additional force increasing the density of the smoke, fog, vapor. In one embodiment, an object released form the gun is launched at the vapor bubble to thereby burst the bubble. For example, the object can be water stream, a pellet-like object, a bullet-like object an arrow or a dart. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the object may be implemented differently without departing from the objective of the invention.

In other embodiment, the object changes shape as it is released from the gun. Switch 220 provides power to the electronic circuit. Switch 220 can be any type of switch desired. For example, as shown in the preferred embodiment, switch 220 is a two-position toggle switch, with an “on” and “off” positions. In another embodiment, switch 220 is a slide switch. However switch 220 can be any suitable switch, such as a button switch or any other suitable switch. Additionally, switch 220 can be located on any portion of the body or on any other area of toy gun 100.

FIG. 3 depicts a right view of a water vapor filled bubble making device according to an embodiment. In this view, front side 115 is shown curved to thereby allow the operator of the gun to have a better grip of the device. The curvature depends on the overall geometry of the device including the size of the tank.

Top 305 is shown in this embodiment as one piece assembly. However, as described above, in one embodiment top 305 and multi-purpose orifice mechanism 110 form two distinct assemblies or pieces. The two pieces are attached or joined to each other using a mechanism that allows multi-purpose orifice mechanism 110 to perform the function of a pivoting portion, which has the bubble mechanism coupled thereto. Pivoting portion can be any configuration or shape desired.

As shown, base 310 is substantially flat providing enough surface area such that the device can be placed on an object such as a table or floor in an upright position. In one embodiment, base 310 houses a compartment for a battery pack, which is coupled to the electronic circuit via switch 220.

FIG. 4 depicts a right detailed view of a water vapor filled bubble making device according to an embodiment. As shown, liquid transmittal element 405 in this embodiment comprises tubular wet cotton, which sucks water to the plate. However, the liquid could be sprayed to the plate using the variable speed fan as disclosed above in which case liquid transmittal element 405 is not required. In some embodiment, liquid transmittal element 405 is any absorbent material; the fluid is water without any additives. In other embodiment, water is replaced by soap liquid. In some embodiment, additives such as color, fragrance, aroma, food flavor, stink, foul odor are added to the liquid. As a result, a smelled, scented vapor filled is produced.

As described above, fan 410 is positioned such that air from the ventilation is pushed to the bubble making environment. As such, smoke, fog, vapor singularly or combined or any other liquid/fluid is directed by the variable speed fan. In one embodiment, the fan is coupled to trigger mechanism 215. In another embodiment, the fan is coupled to switch 220. The objective is to allow the user to vary the speed of the fan motor. By varying the speed or velocity of the fan, the velocity of any fluid that passes through the fan can be varied, and thus the size of the bubbles and rate at which bubbles can be produced can be varied.

Battery door 420 is removed to expose the inside portion of the battery compartment. Preferably, batteries are rechargeable and positioned as close as possible to switch 220 and the electronic circuit. However, the power source for gun 100 can be any suitable power supply. Switch 220 is used to connect the batteries to the electronic system, which controls the heating element and fan.

Heating element 425 is shown extending into the chamber or reservoir. Heating element 425 comprises a metal outer tube and a glass element. The metal outer tube radially encloses the glass element. The metal tube is preferably a cylindrical hollow tube with a length and an inner diameter and an outer diameter, The glass element preferably is cylindrical and encases a coiled metal resistance wire. The glass element has an outer diameter that is less than the inner diameter of the tube. More specifically, an outer diameter of the glass element is configured such that a space exists between at least a portion of the glass element outer surface and the metal tube inner surface. Additionally the glass element has a length that is greater that the metal tube. The resistance wire is coiled around a middle portion that is encased by a top portion and a bottom portion.

FIG. 5 depicts a front view of a water vapor filled bubble making device according to an embodiment. An isometric view of top 105 and multi-purpose orifice mechanism 110 are shown. As described above, top 105 and multi-purpose orifice mechanism 110 form one assembly or piece. This assembly can be made into any suitable shape or desirable configuration. In one embodiment, top 105 and multi-purpose orifice mechanism 110 form two distinct assemblies or pieces. The two pieces are attached or joined to each other using a mechanism that allows multi-purpose orifice mechanism 110 to perform the function of a pivoting portion, which has the bubble mechanism coupled thereto. Pivoting portion can be any configuration or shape desired. Multi-purpose orifice mechanism 110 includes a portion that extends from top 105 to attachments 900. Multi-purpose orifice mechanism 110 can pivot in a circular pattern or within quadrantal angles. Top 105 allows access to the chamber or tank. Top 105 is preferably elliptical in shape and has multi-purpose orifice mechanism 110 extending therefrom. In another embodiment, top 105 is quasi-circular in shape. However, top 105 can be any shape desired consistent with the overall geometry of the bubble gun.

FIG. 6 depicts a rear view of a water vapor filled bubble making device according to an embodiment. Ventilation 210, trigger mechanism 215 and switch 220 are shown from a perpendicular perspective.

FIG. 7 depicts a front perspective view of a water vapor filled bubble making device according to an embodiment. In this embodiment, the bubble gun preferably comprises a trigger mechanism 705, a switch 710, housing 715, handle 720, nozzle mechanism 725, which functions as outlet namely, nozzle mechanism 725 allows the vapor to be ventilated out of the chamber into the ambient environment. Bubbles of different shapes are produced as dictated by the shape of nozzle 725. For example, if the nozzle is round the bubble assumes the same shape. If the nozzle is of animal shapes like cat, dog, horse, bird, fish, etc. then those shapes can be produced.

In some embodiment 715 comprises two distinct parts. The two halves preferably encase at least a portion of the bubble gun mechanism and are coupled together to form a finished assembly. This finished assembly can be made into any suitable shape or desirable configuration and can be manufactured from any suitable material.

Trigger mechanism 705 as shown is implemented using a toggle switch coupled to the electronic system. In this configuration, the trigger operates in discrete steps with additional force necessary to move from one step to the next. As the trigger reaches the last step, the mechanism reverts to the first step. In each step, the density of the smoke, fog, vapor increases. In another embodiment, the trigger mechanism is implemented using a potentiometer coupled to the electronic system. In this configuration, the trigger operates in a continuous fashion with additional force increasing the density of the smoke, fog, vapor.

Switch 710 provides power to the electronic circuit. Switch 710 can be any type of switch desired. For example, as shown in the preferred embodiment, switch 710 is a two-position toggle switch, with an “on” and “off” positions. In another embodiment, switch 710 is a slide switch. However switch 710 can be any suitable switch, such as a button switch or any other suitable switch. Additionally, switch 710 can be located on any portion of the body or on any other area of toy gun 100.

FIG. 8 depicts a rear perspective view of a water vapor filled bubble making device according to an embodiment. As shown, rear panel houses liquid orifice 805. Liquid orifice 805 facilitates introduction of the liquid into the chamber. Fan mechanism 810 is located in the chamber of the device. The fan 810 is positioned such that air from the ventilation is pushed to the bubble making environment. As such, smoke, fog, vapor singularly or combined or any other liquid/fluid is directed by the variable speed fan. In one embodiment, the fan is coupled to trigger mechanism 705. In another embodiment, the fan is coupled to switch 710. The objective is to allow the user to vary the speed of the fan motor. By varying the speed or velocity of the fan, the velocity of any fluid that passes through the fan can be varied, and thus the size of the bubbles and rate at which bubbles can be produced can be varied. Although depicted and described with respect to an embodiment in which the fan is coupled to a switch or trigger, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the fan configuration may be implemented differently without departing from the objective of the invention. For example, the operation of the fan can be controlled by a microprocessor. As a result, the speed of the fan can be modulated thereby allowing bubbles of different sizes to be produced. Bubbles of different shapes can also be produced. For example, animal shapes like cat, dog, horse, bird, fish, etc. can be produced.

FIG. 9 depicts a top perspective view of a small and large bubble orifice of a water vapor filled bubble making device according to an embodiment. As shown, multipurpose orifice or nozzle 905 comprises brackets 915 and 920, which are used as locking mechanism of bubble gun 100. Bracket 910 is used to rotate the device in place. Although depicted and described with respect to an embodiment implementing orifice mechanism 905, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the multipurpose orifice configuration or nozzle may be implemented differently without departing from the objective of the invention. Bubbles of different shapes are produced as dictated by the shape of the nozzle. For example, if the nozzle is round the bubble assumes the same shape. If the nozzle is of animal shapes like cat, dog, horse, bird, fish, etc. then those shapes can be produced.

FIG. 10 depicts a side perspective view of a small and large bubble orifice of a water vapor filled bubble making device according to an embodiment. Bracket 910 as shown is used to rotate multipurpose orifice 905 in place. Again, although depicted and described with respect to an embodiment implementing orifice 905, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the orifice may be implemented differently without departing from the objective of the invention.

It is contemplated that some of the steps discussed herein as software methods may be implemented within hardware, for example, as circuitry that cooperates with the processor to perform various method steps. Portions of the functions/elements described herein may be implemented as a computer program product wherein computer instructions, when processed by a computer, adapt the operation of the computer such that the methods and/or techniques described herein are invoked or otherwise provided. Instructions for invoking the inventive methods may be stored in fixed or removable media, and/or stored within a memory within a computing device operating according to the instructions. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A simulated vapor smoke bubble gun, comprising: a chamber configured to accommodate a liquid and having a multi-purpose orifice to facilitate introduction of said liquid into said chamber; an arrangement external to said chamber and configured as a triggering device; a heated plate located within said chamber; a liquid transmittal element located within the vicinity of the heated plate; and a pumping arrangement placed adjacent to said heated plate; wherein the liquid transmittal element facilitates spatial proximity of the liquid toward the heated plate thereby enabling the production and release of vapor into the chamber.
 2. The bubble gun of claim 1, wherein the heated plate is a low voltage powered hot plate.
 3. The bubble gun of claim 1, wherein the liquid transmittal element is made of absorbent material.
 4. The bubble gun of claim 1, wherein the pumping device is an air pump, which blows air to produce bubble when bubble ring is dipped into soap.
 5. The bubble gun of claim 4, wherein said liquid is a soap/bubble forming liquid.
 6. The bubble gun of claim 1, wherein the multi-purpose orifice enables air to be blown into the chamber with the mouth.
 7. The bubble gun of claim 1, wherein the multi-purpose orifice enables air to be blown into the chamber with an external pumping mechanism.
 8. The method of claim 1, wherein the action of pumping air into bubble released in the chamber is performed using an internal mechanism.
 9. The bubble gun of claim 5, wherein a fan is configured to move the vapor through the bubble forming mechanism thereby optimizing bubble formation.
 10. The bubble gun of claim 1, wherein the bubble gun plays music.
 11. The bubble gun of claim 1, wherein the bubble gun emits lights of different wavelength.
 12. The bubble gun of claim 1, wherein the geometry of the chamber includes regular shape.
 13. The bubble gun of claim 1, wherein the geometry of the chamber includes irregular shape.
 14. The bubble gun of claim 1, wherein an object launched from the bubble gun is aimed at the bubble.
 15. A method for simulating vapor smoke, comprising: inserting a liquid transmittal element within a chamber configured to accommodate a liquid and having a multi-purpose orifice to facilitate introduction of said liquid into said chamber: converting the liquid to thereby compose an aromatic vapor producing liquid; coloring the aromatic vapor producing liquid; and pumping air into bubble released in the chamber; wherein the liquid transmittal element facilitates spatial proximity of the liquid toward the heated plate thereby enabling the production and release of vapor into the chamber.
 16. The method of claim 15, wherein the bubbles are of different shapes.
 17. The method of claim 16, wherein the action of pumping air into bubble released in the chamber is performed using an external mechanism.
 18. The method of claim 16, wherein the action of pumping air into bubble released in the chamber is performed using an internal mechanism.
 19. The method of claim 16, wherein essential aroma oil drops is added to the liquid.
 20. The method of claim 14, wherein the step of coloring is performed using one of: additive mixing, subtractive mixing. 